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W2W4: Dolphins at Bills

Here's what to watch for when the Bills host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday:

1. What changes with Lewis? If Thad Lewis' three starts earlier this season were any indication, the Bills won't change their offensive scheme to adjust to not having EJ Manuel. When Manuel has struggled this season, the immediate reaction from Marrone and Manuel's teammates has been to stress that the entire offense needs to play better. So if Lewis has a strong outing Sunday with the same offensive pieces available to Manuel, does that mean Manuel -- and not those around him -- was more at fault for the struggles? It would be an interesting debate, although the sample size would be small.

2. Highlighting Lewis' fumbles: The last time we saw Lewis was a 35-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Scrambling on the game's first play, Lewis was hit from behind and fumbled. Two possessions later, Lewis was strip-sacked and lost the football again. Overall, in his three games as the starter, Lewis fumbled six times. Ball security with Lewis might be among the Bills' chief concerns entering this game. For the season, Lewis has a 19.1 QBR, which ranks 36th among qualified quarterbacks. That's about as low as it gets in the NFL this season.

3. Safeties in the spotlight: The Bills will be without safety Aaron Williams (ribs), which will likely force Da'Norris Searcy into the starting lineup. Searcy started in place of Jairus Byrd early in the season and the results were mixed. Searcy could again be an option to replace Byrd if he leaves through free agency this offseason, so Sunday will be another opportunity to evaluate the third-year safety in a significant role within the defense. It could also give the Bills a chance to give the two safeties they drafted this season, Duke Williams and Jonathan Meeks, their first substantial snaps on defense.

4. Sack record set to fall: The Bills will likely set a new franchise sack record on Sunday. With 49 sacks, they are already tied with the 1995 team for the most in franchise history. If they surpass 50 this season, they'll also break the unofficial record of 50 set by the 1964 Bills. Buffalo's pass rush has been ferocious this season and shows no signs of stopping against a Dolphins team that has allowed the NFL's most sacks.

Who is playing the Bills....us right? Oh well, I like still being unappreciated and under the radar. Just like when "experts and analysts" look like they stepped in poo when asked if we will make the playoffs. As if winning against the Bills and Jests is that unfathomable.

Every time I see a stupid post I remind myself we don't have this guy as a fan

It was about 80 degrees and sunny during this December week in South Florida. This is why Miami is one of the country’s top destinations during the winter.

But it’s also why there are concerns about the Dolphins (8-6) when they travel to face the Buffalo Bills (5-9) on Sunday. Miami is in the middle of a playoff push and cannot afford an upset. One thing that could be an equalizer is which team performs best in the elements.

Pouncey
The Dolphins had one bad-weather game this season, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and performed well in a 34-28 Miami victory. There were several inches of snow in Pittsburgh, and the Dolphins rushed for a season-high 181 yards.

On Sunday, the weather in Buffalo is expected to be in the mid-40s with heavy rain. The Dolphins will have to adjust offensively and defensively.

“We just hate the rain,” Dolphins center Mike Pouncey said Friday. “Rain slows down the game, and there’s a lot more turnovers during the game. So that’s something we have to focus on.”

The Dolphins are trying to avoid a season sweep by Buffalo. The Bills came into Miami in Week 7 and handed the Dolphins a 23-21 defeat.

Miami controls its own playoff destiny and will make the postseason with two more victories. A loss in Buffalo could force Miami to get assistance in Week 17.

“It’s been a few weeks where we’ve had the biggest game, playoffs or whatever you want to call it,” Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake said. “But that’s the bed we made, and it’s an exciting thing.”

The Dolphins won three straight games to put them in this position. Miami even has a small chance to win the AFC East if the New England Patriots (10-4) finish 10-6.

The Dolphins' locker room is fully aware how important Sunday's trip to Buffalo is.

“You’re understanding of where you stand puts a little more weight on things,” Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline said. “It’s just like the first quarter feels different from the fourth quarter.”